Pleasant doing business with... Erik van Loo

Erik van Loo was born in South Limburg, where he grew up as a butcher's son in Mechelen. After gaining experience at home and abroad, Erik opened his own restaurant in Wijk bij Duurstede, Restaurant Duurstede, where he earned his first Michelin star. He has been Patron Cuisinier for 13 years and has owned Restaurant Parkheuvel since 2006, which holds two Michelin stars. At MASTERS EXPO, Van Loo cooked in the pop-up restaurant M*, where 25 top chefs combined earned 39 Michelin stars over five days.

In 'Pleasant doing business with...' MASTERS talks to a prominent entrepreneur every week. Because, how do you do business pleasantly? Erik van Loo was born in South Limburg, where he grew up as a butcher's son in the village of Mechelen. After gaining experience at home and abroad, Erik started his own restaurant in Wijk bij Duurstede, 'Restaurant Duurstede', where he cooked his first Michelin star. With a wonderful career, he has now been Patron Cuisinier for 13 years and has been the owner of Restaurant Parkheuvel since 2006, awarded two Michelin stars. At MASTERS EXPO, Van Loo cooked in the pop-up star restaurant M*, where a total of 26 top chefs earned 42 Michelin stars in five days. Text: Tamara GijrathWhat characterizes an entrepreneur?
“Those are four key words: search, find, improve and sell. In your brain you are constantly searching and the fact that you want to do the best you can is simply in your DNA. Then marketing it is the coolest thing there is.”

Where have you ever gotten your best deal?
“Here in our own restaurant, when we purchased the building. The location is certainly important when closing a deal. When people feel at ease it becomes easier. Many people have done good business in our restaurant. Once the wine is ordered, we know the deal has been done.”

Digital. Friend or enemy?
“Just make friends with it, because without it you are nowhere. I'm certainly not a digital hero, but I do endorse it. As an entrepreneur you have to go along with it, otherwise you will lag behind and sell yourself short.”What do you do on an off-day?
“Not much, except working out with my personal trainer. But I'm actually always positive. Of course your energy level is sometimes a little less, but I am standing here with about twenty-four people, if I hang my head it only gives others a free pass.”

How do you drink your coffee?
"Black. My favorite is Nespresso Congo. This exclusive coffee has little acid and is only made seven months a year. Expensive, but so tasty.”

Nice place for a good conversation?
“On a bench here in the park, overlooking the Euromast.”

Watch?
“Christaan ​​van der Klaauw and IWC. But I prefer to wear the Van der Klaauw because of its emotional value, it is my wife's twenty-five wedding anniversary gift.”

Automobile?
“An Audi Q8.”

What is your favorite business suit?
“My chef's coat.”

What do you always have with you?
"My phone. Everything is in there. I'm still old school, so I always respond promptly to all my messages. I love that."

What is always on your desk?
"A bottle of water."

Which entrepreneur would you like to have lunch with?
“If you go to lunch, you should immediately have a pleasant afternoon. So preferably with Michel Peridon. You can laugh with him.”

What is your golden entrepreneurial tip?
“Your feelings always win.”